yes tie straps can be used , but you must have the correct strap gun to torque them.do not use garden type straps . it is recommendedthat if you change the v.r.o you run the first tank of fuel at 50 to 1 mix to safe guard against a fault in the system . also do not prime the oil to the v.r.o by hand ,after connecting the oil line ,in must draw it up it's self .another reason why you run a 50 to 1 mix .you can disconect the vro and use it as a fuel pump only,or you can fit an earlier type fuel pump and run 50 to 1 premix i hope this makes sense ,if your not sure p m me .cheers ray p.s i have done all this many times .